Duke of Abruzzi's free-tailed bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Duke of Abruzzi's free-tailed bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mops
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| Species: |
aloysiisabaudiae
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| Synonyms | |
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The Duke of Abruzzi's free-tailed bat (scientific name: Mops aloysiisabaudiae) is a special type of bat. It belongs to a family of bats called Molossidae, also known as free-tailed bats. These bats live in parts of Africa, including countries like Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, South Sudan, and Uganda. They like to live in warm places such as dry or moist forests and grassy areas called savannas. Sadly, their homes are disappearing, which puts them at risk.
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About This Bat
What Does It Look Like?
This bat has fur that is a light chestnut brown color. Its flight membranes, which are like its wings, are dark brownish-black. It has large, round ears with very tiny ear flaps called tragi. The bat's upper lip is quite wrinkly. It has a total of 30 teeth. Its forearm, which is part of its wing, is about 38 to 43 millimeters (1.5 to 1.7 inches) long.
Where Does It Live?
The Duke of Abruzzi's free-tailed bat is found in several countries across Africa. These include Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, South Sudan, and Uganda. They prefer living in warm, tropical areas. This can be in dry or moist lowland forests, or in grassy savannas.
How Did It Get Its Name?
This bat was first officially described as a new species in 1907 by a scientist named Dr. E. Festa. He named it Nyctinomus Aloysii-Sabaudiae at the time. The bat's scientific name, aloysiisabaudiae, honors Prince Luigi Amedeo, who was the Duke of Abruzzi. "Luigi" is an Italian version of the Latin name "Aloysius." The "sabaudiae" part refers to the House of Savoy, which was a royal family.
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